Entertainment
Phillip Schofield steps back from This Morning confirmed after ‘very difficult days’ amid Holly Willoughby ‘fallout’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
Phillip Schofield has stepped down from This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning after 20 years has been confirmed by ITV, days after a rumoured fallout with Holly Willoughby.
The 61-year-old and his daytime television co-host, 41, have been the centre of speculation after it was reported they were ‘barely speaking’ behind-the-scenes and that their relationship had ‘cooled’.
While they have continued putting on a united front on the This Morning sofa, and Phil recently insisted they are ‘still the best of friends’, rumours have continued swirling, with reports escalating to claims that Phil is ‘refusing to quit This Morning’, as one source called the situation a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’.
It has since been announced that Phil will be stepping down while Holly will remain, and they have already presented their last programme together.
ITV confirmed on Saturday: ‘After more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield has stepped back from ITV’s flagship morning show having presented his last episode on Thursday 18 May.
‘Having co-hosted the multi-award winning show for two decades, Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.’
Phil confirmed his departure in a statement, after 20 years on the This Morning sofa (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Holly will go on to present with members of the team, assuming the likes of Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary who present the Friday edition of the programme.
Announcing he was stepping down, Phil said: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning.
‘But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
‘I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
‘So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.’
Holly added: ‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.
‘The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: ‘Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
‘This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.’
‘We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.’
More to come…
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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Phillip Schofield has stepped down from This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning after 20 years has been confirmed by ITV, days after a rumoured fallout with Holly Willoughby.
The 61-year-old and his daytime television co-host, 41, have been the centre of speculation after it was reported they were ‘barely speaking’ behind-the-scenes and that their relationship had ‘cooled’.
While they have continued putting on a united front on the This Morning sofa, and Phil recently insisted they are ‘still the best of friends’, rumours have continued swirling, with reports escalating to claims that Phil is ‘refusing to quit This Morning’, as one source called the situation a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’.
It has since been announced that Phil will be stepping down while Holly will remain, and they have already presented their last programme together.
ITV confirmed on Saturday: ‘After more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield has stepped back from ITV’s flagship morning show having presented his last episode on Thursday 18 May.
‘Having co-hosted the multi-award winning show for two decades, Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.’
Phil confirmed his departure in a statement, after 20 years on the This Morning sofa (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Holly will go on to present with members of the team, assuming the likes of Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary who present the Friday edition of the programme.
Announcing he was stepping down, Phil said: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning.
‘But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
‘I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
‘So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.’
Holly added: ‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.
‘The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: ‘Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
‘This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.’
‘We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.’
More to come…
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
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